Wood strengthens Leicester's promotion hopes

Nigel Pearson has already made his first signing of 2013 - and we`re still in 2012. New Zealand international Chris Wood has agreed terms with Leicester City, and the striker will join the club in January when the transfer window opens - making the short trip to the East Midlands from his parent club West Bromwich Albion.

Wood has been impressive this season while on loan at Millwall having scored eleven goals in nineteen appearances for the Lions, and with international experience under his belt, the 21-year-old gives Pearson another option in attack. Leicester City have now gone three games without a goal - their longest baron run of 2012 - so this move could breathe new life into the side. Promotion is still the aim this season, and Nigel Pearson is wasting no time in doing what he believes will give his side the best possible chance of achieving it.

Alex Baptiste has also been strongly linked with a move to the King Power Stadium in January. The 26-year-old centre-back has been a key part of a Blackpool side also with promotion hopes although, like the Foxes, have struggled with consistency over the second quarter of this Championship campaign. Baptiste has Championship (and Premier League) experience, and also has the potential to forge a strong partnership at the back with Wes Morgan.

The introduction of Wood and Baptiste will cause more competition both in attack and defence - namely for the likes of Martyn Waghorn, Jamie Vardy, Zak Whitbread and Liam Moore. But with a six-game month coming up (and the strong possibility of a fourth-round FA Cup fixture), depth can only provide more options for individuals to impress.